A first novel as good as this deserves a bit of lauding, even if it reads somewhat like Complicity from Iain Banks. Mr. Bateman (apparently an acquaintance of Nick Veitch, the guy that lent me the book) has a fine turn of phrase, with just a hint of the auld sod in his dialogue to remind you that the action takes place in the six counties rather than elsewhere.

The cover of the book put me off buying it (along with the hype when it was released) with its "style" colours and contrived picture of a nun holding a gun in one hand and a small dog in the other (yes, that cover), but I wish I had gone against my better judgement and picked it up then and there because it is a fine read, besides which, you should never judge a book by its cover. Anyroadup, if you like Iain Banks' pacing and taut grip on the narrative, you'll like this. I look forward to his next book immensely... ...ahem, I mean Colin Bateman's next book, not Iain Banks'... ...well, I'm looking forward to Iain Banks' next book too, don't get me wrong...

Ben gives it:

Price: £4.99
Published by: Harper Collins (ISBN 0-00-647903-0)

last updated: 1st October 1996